AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I had no idea. I didn’t know my grandparents.”
“Well, it’s been in your family for generations on your mom’s side.”
“What does that have to do with the money?” Dean and Neo had agreed to take all the money out from beneath the floorboards, count it, record what happened, and deposit it all into a safe deposit box until they had answers regarding the origin of the stash.
“Well, I did some digging and found an old neighbor who’s still kicking. Seems your great grandfather who was born in the thirties didn’t exactly trust the banks, so my hypothesis is he buried his dough, and on top of that, your grandfather did as well. Therefore, the stash is yours and your brother’s.” Dean heard him clicking keys. “California doesn’t have an inheritance tax, so you’re free and clear there, but your bank will alert the IRS to the deposit, since it will be more than ten K. I’ve documented the neighbor’s statement and the fact that you have some bills dating back to the thirties. That should be enough of an explanation for the government. There shouldn’t be any problem with you and your brother keeping the money. Congratulations!”
“That is great news. Thanks for the call. I appreciate all your help.”
“You’re welcome, Dean. Have a good day.”
Granny came up to him as he disconnected the call. She handed him a message. “General Hardass called. He said his call went to voicemail. He sounded mad.”
“He always sounds mad.”
She smiled softly. “Not always.”
“Stop calling him Hardass, Granny. “It’ll stick.”
She just waved her hand at him. He knew what that meant. It was her way of delivering a one-finger salute without being vulgar.
Gage came out from behind the screen with a rare grin. “Hey, boss man. Got a minute?”
“Yeah.” He walked over and bumped knuckles with him. Gage kicked away the screen to reveal a sheet-covered object.
Gage grinned and pulled the sheet off. It was the Vincent Shadow that he had crashed with O, now fully restored. The man did have a knack with motorcycles. They would do well together.
It was a gorgeous set of wheels, and he’d envied his dad for many, many years. But he’d ridden it and he gained control of his own life, who he was with O by his side. She had taught him that it was okay to be himself, flaws and all.
“Sell it,” Dean said.
Gage’s mouth dropped open. “You can’t be serious.”
The motorcycle represented his father and everything he stood for. He’d ridden it in defiance of his father’s principles, lifestyle, and legacy. His father was gone. The past was over and done with. He and O needed to move away from all that crap and live in the present, look forward to the future together.
“You keep it, Gage.”
“Build a better history for it?” he said, and Dean smiled.
“You know what else history is good for?” Dean asked. Gage shook his head. “Learning from your mistakes, Gage. I’m done with the past.”
He walked away. Got on the elevator and went up to the loft. O was there on her computer, working on finding the man behind the missile theft.
He turned her chair sideways and broke her concentration. “What are you doing? I thought you were going to annoy your employees so I could get some work done.”
“I’ve already done that.” He noticed her gun case on the table. “How’s the shooting going?”
She glanced at the case, her expression totally open. “Still shaky, but I’m determined to get past it. I need to be on my game to cover my team’s asses. I’m determined to get my confidence back, beat this PTSD.”
“Still seeing that therapist?”
“Yes, Dr. Jordan. I’ve met some interesting people who have gone through trauma. It helps to talk to them about it.” She shook her head, then continued. “I’m really surprised by that.”
He brushed back her hair as she looked up at him. Her anxiety was palpable.
“What are you feeling?” He tipped her face up to his
“That I have a responsibility as always to be there for my partners, especially you. I would never want to let you down.”
